Darien Marijuana Arrests Explained As 'Very Simple'

DARIEN, IL — Darien Police Chief Greg Thomas said Monday he got a question about the city's arrests of drivers and passengers for marijuana possession. It's been more than a year since Illinois legalized recreational marijuana, with tight restrictions.

"The law is very specific and easy. Cannabis has to be contained in a sealed, odor-proof, child resistant container," Thomas told the City Council. "It's very simple. If it's sealed in an odor-proof, child-resistant container, just keep it in there until you get home. If you open it, don't transport it."

Alderman Eric Gustafson said he was the one who asked the chief the question. He said he looked at marijuana stores' websites and found they were giving the same advice as the chief's, but many customers are apparently not following it.

Many of Darien's weekly police blotters include arrests for possession of marijuana by drivers and passengers. This is the case in many other suburbs, including Elmhurst.